Response to chapter 8

 Through experience, I can totally relate to Perkins’ 8^th strategy which is to use celebrations or humor to create an invigorating atmosphere. I think in meetings or in scenes when opinions are needed to face a conflict, more ideas are stimulated in a comfortable atmosphere where people feel free to speak up their thoughts rather than being in a serious mood that cause stress and require people to be responsible for every proposal. Meetings would not move on without having anyone voicing out their thoughts after all. A simple proposal that may seem inadequate to solve conflicts can be discussed and developed to be profound ones later. Humor plays a big role to consulate people from nervousness and triggers them to speak up more often. Reflecting on what we learned from Rab, laughter activates our brains to exert dopamine which boosts our concentration. So it seems like science also proves the benefits of involving laughter when facing difficulties. Moreover, as Perkins states in the beginning of the chapter, laughter “can break a spiral of depression and stimulate creativity.” However, taking Perkins’ advice may also be a hindrance if leaders encourage people to adopt a playful manner too often. Leaders must not forget the ultimate goal to achieve a solution to the problem their facing while thriving to lighten up the team. When serious talks are needed, there should be a balance kept between humor and intentness to prevent adherents from slacking off.